Ark will continue to trade from its head office in Leeds and the management team has been kept in place.

However, “uneconomic stores” in Norwich, Cambridge and Merry Hill, and the Hearts and Bows store in Manchester have closed.

The deal, negotiated by joint administrators, David Acland and Lila Thomas from Begbies Traynor, means 160 of the 200 jobs that were threatened when Ark fell into administration earlier this week have been saved.

David Acland, partner at Begbies Traynor, said: “This sale has protected a large number of vital jobs in the retail sector.

“At the same time, it enables JD Sports to continue its ambitious expansion plans, following on as it does from other key strategic acquisitions earlier in the year.

“It is no secret that many retail businesses are facing a hugely challenging environment at the moment, and this deal is a welcome piece of good news for the sector.”

A spokesperson for JD Sports Fashion said: “We look forward to supporting the established management team to develop the business further.”

Tom Edge, director of Rett Retail and Ark Fashion, added: “Becoming part of the JD group is the best deal for all those involved in Rett Retail and we look forward to working with them for an exciting future.”

Ark, whose parent company is called Rett Retail Limited, is a fashion retailer primarily based in the north of England. It was founded in Leeds in 1992.

Retailers Internacionale and ModelZone also filed a notice to appoint administrators earlier this week, while Dwell, the furniture retailer, confirmed Duff & Phelps as administrators.

The administrations emerged just hours after retailers were due to pay rent for the next three months on Monday, the quarterly rent day.